A MASQUERADE ball has raised more than £20,000 for a charity that helps children with cancer.

Attendees of the Ladybird Masquerade, run by the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, helped raise £23,739 through the ball, which was held at the Chateau Impney Hotel, in Droitwich.

The charity was set up in honour of Grace Kelly, a four-year-old girl who died after suffering from cancer.

Grace’s family wanted to turn a tragedy in their life into something positive to help other families in a similar situation.

Jennifer Kelly, founder of the trust and Grace’s mum said, “The Ladybird Masquerade was a wonderful evening.

“It was great to see so many people there supporting the work of the Trust and celebrating all that has been achieved in Grace’s memory so far.

“Childhood cancer is not as rare as we think and so much more needs to be done.

“The team at the GKCCT are working so hard to change things for future families by funding research but also for families of children fighting now by providing support when they need it most.”

The money was raised through an auction and a raffle and guests enjoyed a three-course meal. It will be used to provide family support as well as to fund research into cancers that affect children.